The Cancer Prevention Research Training Program at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center prepares scientists and clinicians to achieve leadership roles as research investigators in the field of cancer prevention and control. Trainees are immersed in the type of cross-disciplinary research environment typical of cancer prevention and control research, with the objective of launching the trainee in the scientific research role of principal investigator relatively early in his or her career.

The Program is designed to expand the perspective of the trainees by moving them from their base of strength in a particular specialty and to equip them with additional knowledge of the other cancer prevention and control disciplines. This cross-disciplinary training is accomplished by attending seminars and by participating in ongoing peer-reviewed, mentored research. Fellows are expected to present their research at scientific meetings and publish in peer-reviewed journals. Fellows will also participate in professional development seminars, such as time management and grant writing.

The CPRTP Halliburton postdoc fellowship has been quite beneficial in
advancing my scientific thinking and career growth through the
invaluable interactions with established scientists invited to present
at MD Anderson.

Program duration: The Halliburton Employees Contribution Fund Fellowship in Cancer Prevention Research is funded for two years, renewed annually pending research progress and availability of funds.

Postdoctoral stipends are $50,000 and may be subject to a one-time raise, after the first appointment year, if approved by the mentor. Fringe benefits include health insurance, paid institutional holidays, and annual and sick leave. This fellowship does not provide additional research support for tuition, reference books, meeting registration, travel support, and research costs. Halliburton Postdoctoral fellows must consult their mentors for additional research support.

Applicants will download all forms from this webpage and submit those items as specified in the application instructions, and in the order listed on the application checklist and coversheet. Successful applicants will be invited to Phase 2.

Phase 2: Invitation to Submit Research and Career Proposal

Successful applicants from Phase I are considered to be accepted to the fellowship program and will be invited to submit a Research and Career Proposal. The proposal will be reviewed by the CPRTP Advisory Committee, along with other subject matter experts. Suggestions may be provided for improving the proposal. Funding for the fellowship is contingent upon proposal approval by the Advisory Committee and Program Directors, as well as processing of appointment paperwork by the Academic and Visa Administration (AVA).

Donor-funded, postdoctoral fellowships are funded for two years. During this term, all awardees will be required to participate in CPRTP Educational and career activities as outlined on the Fellowship Requirement Memo, which include:

Required UTGSBS course: Enroll in the 2-credit hour Cancer Prevention course cross-listed at the UT Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) and the UT School of Public Health (SPH). Tuition will not be paid by CPRTP. Please consult your mentor for payment.

Check-in meetings with CPRTP directors: Four (4) mandatory meetings with CPRTP directors during the course of the fellowship. See Fellowship Requirement Memo for schedule.

Oral presentations: Trainees will acquire a repertoire of five (5) speaking skills appropriate to the various professional occasions they will encounter. These presentations will be given at CPRTP Summer Research Experience events and Department Faculty Meetings. DCPPS trainees will receive e-mailed announcements of upcoming presentations.

"Speaking up" (Asking questions and explaining scientific reasoning, in a professional environment)

1-hour formal job talk

Additional mandatory activities: Cancer Prevention and Control Grand Rounds, Trainee Forum, Summer Exposition, Responsible Conduct of Research seminars, and any additional career development activities advertised.

This program requires a minimumof two mentors with complementary expertise in different disciplines is required. Additional mentors are allowed. Other qualified mentors can have appointments in other MD Anderson departments or in institutions elsewhere.

To ensure that our program meets the highest standards in selecting fellowship awardees and to enhance the review process, we encourage potential mentors to use the following guidelines when writing a Letter of Support for your fellowship applicant.